Israel Police arrest Jordanian-American fugitive in Jerusalem

Mohammed Abu Nachla was sentenced to 24 years in Illinois for attempted murder, but fled to Jordan, Palestinian Authority.

Police car370.
(photo credit:Wikimedia Commons)

A Jordanian-American fugitive wanted in Illinois has been arrested by Israel Police in Jerusalem, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.

Mohammed Abu Nachla was sentenced to 24 years in prison in 2005 after being convicted on charges including attempted murder, illegal weapons possession and obstruction of justice.

He fled the United States during his trial, evading justice in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.

The arrest Tuesday came after US authorities requested that Israel detain him in order to allow them to file a formal extradition order.

Abu Nachla was convicted of firing at and wounding the driver of another vehicle while he was driving in the Chicago area in 2003.

The International Affairs Department of the State Attorney's Office requested Wednesday that the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court extend Abu Nachla's remand for 20 days in order to allow US authorities to file the formal extradition request.